NC · hazardous orders for minors
North Carolina hazardous orders for minors
Federal FLSA defines 17 Hazardous Occupations Orders (HO-1 to HO-17) that prohibit minors under 18 from working in specific dangerous jobs. Every state — including North Carolina — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, North Carolina layers 2 additions enforced under NC General Statutes §§ 95-25.5 and 95-25.5A (Wage and Hour Act).
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- North Carolina additions
- 2
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- NC Department of Labor (Youth Employment Certificate, online)
- State statute
- NC General Statutes §§ 95-25.5 and 95-25.5A (Wage and Hour Act)
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in North Carolina
All 17 federal HOs apply in North Carolina by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. North Carolina's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in North Carolina code
- 29 CFR Part 570All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17
- HO-10Operating power-driven meat-processing machines
- HO-16Roofing operations and work on or about a roof
See the full federal HO-1 to HO-17 list with plain-English summaries →
North Carolina additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to North Carolina or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under NC General Statutes §§ 95-25.5 and 95-25.5A (Wage and Hour Act) by NC Department of Labor (Youth Employment Certificate, online).
- Tobacco harvesting for minors under 14NC Gen Stat §95-25.5(j)
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervisionNC Gen Stat §95-25.5(h)
Where to verify North Carolina's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and North Carolina state rules conflict, the stricter standard applies (FLSA § 218(a)). If you're an employer unsure whether a specific task is allowed, or a parent / minor who suspects a violation, contact the state labor agency directly through the links below.